Panama Tourism: A Winter´s Beach Lover Guide to
Panama
It may be small, but with two coastlines fronting
sparkling seas, Panama packs a lot of punch in its beaches. Whether you’re
seeking remote, hipster, natural, surfer, near, far, or something else, you’ll
find it here.
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Gorgona,Coronado, Playa Blanca, Pacific Riviera -
Panamá Oeste
White sands and cerulean waters as far as you can
see. No wonder Panamanians converge on the village of Farallón and the
appropriately named Playa Blanca (White Beach; also called Playa Farallón),
about two and a half hours from Panama City. Flashy resorts, golf courses (and
an airport) have popped up in recent years, and that’s great if that’s what you
want. If not, venture beyond the development for simpler accommodations and
toe-in-the-sand seafood restaurants.
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Red Frog Beach, Bocas del Toro
Yes, there are red dart frogs in the jungle near
this mile-long sugary-sand beach, but you’ll have to look really hard because
they’re teeny tiny (and, be warned, poisonous). Located on Isla Bastimentos,
Red Frog is accessible via 10-minute boat ride from Bocas Town, then a short
tropical-flower-bedecked stroll swarming with sloths and capuchin monkeys. Red
Frog also has one of the country’s best surf breaks, plus crystal-clear waters
for swimming and snorkeling—making its popularity quite understandable.
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Playa Santa Catalina, Veraguas
You have to travel to the end of the road to find
the laidback fishing village of Santa Catalina on the Chiriquí Gulf. Most who
venture this way are surfers, after its world-class, consistent-year-round surf
breaks; La Punta is legendary (as are its surf camps), though beginners have
just as much fun with the lesser waves of Playa El Estero. Playa Santa Catalina
itself buzzes with beachy activity, including sun-drenched cafés and plenty of
scuba, kayak, and snorkel outfitters. Hotel Santa Catalina has direct access to
La Punta, though you’ll find plenty of surf camps and other hotels as well.
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Playa Venao, Azuero Peninsula
Surfs’ up at this laidback Pacific beach deep in
the Azuero Peninsula near Pedasì and surfers have long been well aware. Some
say it’s the best surf in all of Central America, with waves for both beginners
and experts. You’ll find a few lodging options, but not much else, other than
the beach, jungle, and gorgeous sunsets. But really, what more do you need?
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Isla Contadora, Pearl Islands
An easy hop from Panama City, Isla Contadora—part
of the Islas de la Perlas archipelago—is the perfect urban escape. Of course,
you already know that if you are one of the rich and famous who have built
lavish estates here, Elizabeth Taylor, the Shah of Persia, and John Wayne
included. If not, you’ll enjoy fine accommodations anyway, along with
snorkeling among rich coral reefs, sailing translucent blue waters, and
frolicking on eleven glorious beaches. Humpback whales cavort in the waters
June through October.
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Cayos Zapatillas, Bocas del Toro
Zapatillas in Spanish means “tennis shoes,”
reflecting local lore that this little bit of natural paradise was formed by
God’s footprints as he descended from heaven. Believe what you will, but that’s
a fine enough explanation for these two petite, wild, uninhabited mangrove isles
accessible by boat from Bocas City and void of restaurants, hotels, shops, or
any other facilities. Your challenge: Entertaining yourself with translucent
waters, thriving coral reefs, tucked-away beaches, and clacking palm trees.
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San Blas Islands - Kuna Nega
Ruled by native Kuna, this island chain on Panama’s
Caribbean coast remains pristine from mass tourism—the majority of its 378
isles are uninhabited. The main reasons to pay a visit is for island-specific
experiences like paddling in dugout canoes, sleeping in eco-friendly
accommodations, and enjoying a meal of fresh fish.
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Playa Estrella, Bocas del Toro
Peer into the translucent waters along this
gorgeous beach to spy big orange sea stars (estrella in Spanish) snuggled in
the crystal-clear shallows. Sadly, interference by inconsiderate humans have
dwindled the population, but some are still around. Shady palms and piña
coladas within easy reach at thatch-roofed beach bars and restaurants make this
a supreme beachy paradise. It’s a music-blaring kind of place on weekends and
quieter on weekdays.
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Isla Grande, Colón
On weekends, Panamanians in a party mood flock to
this little Caribbean, car-free gem near Portobelo, about a two-hours’ drive
from Panama City. So, your choice: Join them in their revelry, along with primo
snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing on wild beaches or evade them and enjoy the
same natural wonders by coming during the week. La Punta is the easiest beach
to access or hire a boat to the isle’s less trammeled north shore.
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Isla Iguana, Azuero Peninsula
You’ll have to hop a panga (small motorboat) from
Pedasí’s Playa Arenal to reach this little isle, a wildlife refuge beloved by
birders. They’re mostly after the country’s largest colony of frigate birds
(recognized by the males’ inflatable throat sacks). Birds not your thing?
Perhaps the crystal waters, empty white-sand beach, and lively coral reef just
offshore will tempt you just the same. Divers find octopus, moray eels, rays,
turtles, and schools of rainbow-colored fish off its north shore.
Source; Fodor´s Travel – Barbara Kennedy